careers education; students visit guild care

Last week, a group of eight asphaleia students visited Guild Care's Holland House in Worthing to learn more about volunteering, employability and the valuable role charities play in supporting local communities.

The visit was led by members of the training team and students received a warm welcome from George, Guild Care's Volunteer Manager, alongside colleagues Nathan and Sarah.

During the workshop, students were introduced to the wide range of services provided by Guild Care, including support for older people, people living with dementia, carers, and children and adults with learning disabilities. The session was designed to support our students' careers education, helping them understand how volunteering can develop confidence, build transferable skills and create pathways into employment.

George, Nathan and Sarah shared their own career journeys, explaining how volunteering had helped them gain experience and progress into paid roles. Their stories provided students with real-life examples of how volunteering can open doors to future opportunities.

The workshop combined presentations, videos and interactive activities to keep students engaged. A job and skills matching exercise encouraged students to think about their strengths and consider how these could be applied in different volunteering roles. Students also took part in activities focused on recognising transferable skills and planning their next steps, helping them build confidence in their abilities and future career goals.

One of the most striking facts shared during the session was that Guild Care currently works with more than 400 volunteers who support its services across the local community. Students learned about the variety of volunteering opportunities available and received guidance on how to apply for roles.

The visit clearly made an impact, with at least four students already expressing an interest in exploring volunteering opportunities with Guild Care. The resources provided by the team were particularly valuable, and copies will now be used in follow-up employability sessions to help students continue developing their understanding of volunteering and career pathways.

Looking ahead, Guild Care has also offered to arrange a future visit to one of its residential care homes for students interested in learning more about careers and volunteering within social care settings.

Overall, the visit was a positive and enlightening experience for the students, even if they were not looking to work in the care sector. It gave students the chance to learn from professionals and gain a greater understanding of how volunteering can support both personal development and future employment.